Concept2 Ergometer End Cap Adapter

ABSTRACT

The Adapter is an aluminum replacement part for the Concept 2 rowing machine. It replaces the plastic end cap at the upper end of the box frame. Attachment is achieved with pre-existing bolts on the machine. The adapter provides a safe and secure attachment point on the Concept 2 rowing ergometer for coaches/trainers/athletes to attach a 1″ tie-down strap used in teaching and training.

BACKGROUND

For decades Concept2 has been manufacturing rowing machines (ergometers) for physical conditioning and teaching in the sport of rowing. These machines are used primarily with rowing teams but the Crossfit industry, along with other gyms, has expanded their use.

When coaches use the rowing machine for teaching or sometimes training (isometric exercise), a common technique is to attach a 1″ tie-down strap (“boat strap” or “strap” in rowing lingo) from the handle around the flywheel cage to render the handle immobile so the athlete can “suspend” or “hang” on the handle. Making the handle immobile is a very common and effective teaching and training method. Unfortunately the rowing machine is not designed for the way the straps are attached to the machine and damage to the machine can occur along with possible injury to the athlete.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter is to provide a stable and strong attachment point for coaches/trainers to attach a strap safely and securely. The secondary purpose is to allow the rowing machine to be used as an isometric training tool for athletes. The adapter replaces the current end cap on the Concept 2 rowing machine.

DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1: This is a general view of the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter.

FIG. 2: This is a side view with the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter installed on the end of the rowing machine box frame. Attachment is accomplished by the two machine bolts already installed on the machine.

FIG. 3: This is an aerial view of the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Manufacturing:

The Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter is a single piece of metal with no moving parts or pieces. It is manufactured out of ⅛″ aluminum plate and is currently produced by means of water-jet cutting and mechanical bending to achieve the final product.

Installation:

-   -   1. Use the hex-key provided with rowing machine to remove the         existing plastic end-cap/bolt/washer/metal hook.     -   2. Use hex-key to remove one of the two bolts in FIG. 3     -   3. Align the corresponding hole on the Adapter with the empty         hole and thread the bolt in loosely.     -   4. Once first bolt is started, repeat the same procedure with         second bolt.     -   5. Removing/installing each bolt separately prevents the front         leg of the machine from coming unattached.     -   6. Tighten both bolts firmly.

Usage:

-   -   1. Thread the end of the strap through the 1″×½″ opening on the         Adapter.     -   2. Thread the end of the strap through the u-bolt on the handle     -   3. Thread the end of the strap through the cam and adjust to         desired length     -   4. NOTE: Do not loop strap around the handle as it can cause the         handle to break. Only thread it through the u-bolt     -   5. Whether you are using the adapter for teaching or training,         the installation is the same. The only thing that changes is the         coach's/trainer's methodology and the length of the strap         adjustment. 

1. The Adapter is the only solution currently available for this application.
 2. Reduce damage: When “hanging” or “suspending” your body in the air, a strong athlete is producing hundreds of pounds of force on the handle/strap. Currently coaches will either wrap the strap completely around the flywheel cage (plastic) or to the monitor bracket (structurally unsound). The Adapter will reduce damage to the rowing machine when coaches/trainers use straps in their teaching and training.
 3. Reduce risk: The current methods of “hanging” or “suspending” your body in the air by use of straps, while commonplace, are risky. When you wrap the strap around the flywheel cage, you risk the strap slipping or the cage collapsing. When you attach the strap to the monitor bracket, you risk breaking the bracket. By providing an attachment point that is directly attached to the frame of the machine, you greatly reduce the risk of injury to the athlete.
 4. Improve training efficiency: A team with multiple machines (50-60 is not uncommon on a team) can use the Adapter as a training tool since one-on-one supervision is not required. The previous methods used required one coach to monitor each athlete to insure safe execution. 